Rapunzel's Revenge

Hale, S. (2008). Rapunzel's Revenge. NY: Bloomsbury.

    This retelling of the tale of Rapunzel has its own unique style as it is both a western and a graphic novel. This change of scenery sometimes overpowers the plot and creates opportunities for several subplots along the way. In order to survive in the Wild West, Rapunzel had to transform into a more strong-willed character than the sweet Disney princess audience's might expect with this tale. In the end, this style and this Rapunzel were not to my liking but I can see how it might appeal to a different  audience than the classic version does. 

Textbook Assignment #5 - Evaluation Criteria

Setting - The author’s choice to change the setting of the classic Rapunzel tale to a western, complete with cowboys and horses, allowed for a unique retelling of the well known story. This change of setting allowed for Rapunzel to have an even greater reason to fight Mother Gothel. No longer was she fighting for her own freedom, but for the livelihood of all the people in each of the small towns she met along her way. Mother Gothel had ruined the land around her for her own gain, just as she had done to Rapunzel. It wasn’t until Rapunzel was able to see the world outside the palace walls that she became aware of what Mother Gothel was capable of doing. Ultimately, it is the setting of this version that sets it apart from the other adaptations of Rapunzel, her evil mother, and her long hair.

Style - Classically, the story of Rapunzel is one that appeals to girls who might imagine using their hair to not only find true love, but also as their own personal weapon. In Shannon Hale’s version, she widens the appeal with the graphic novel style, the Wild West scenery, and an action packed plot. The story starts in a classic fairy-tale style but quickly shifts into something very different. The quick wit of Rapunzel’s narration and the vivid illustrations set the tone for this adaptation with a comics style. Rapunzel herself is transformed into a hero as she bravely fights her way through the Wild West in order to save her real mother. The style can be categorized as “anti-princess”, yet still appeal to a female readership.

Teaching Guide

http://www.squeetus.com/stage/Rapunzel_TG.pdf

Teaching Books Link

http://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=13173